Maison Tardieu-Laurent Condrieu

A lot of smoothness, creaminess. A Wine with generous curves, on notes of soft spices...

Presentation

The vintage
If we look at the half empty glass - or tank -, frustration, and even sadness, will overwhelm us : historically small yields in France. The lowest of the post-war years. Cellars are empty. Clearly, one has to state that climate hazards, methodically, worked against us this year, in a succession of definitely adverse events : an abnormally cool spring caused frost, then grape shatter, on all of Rhone cépages, and, more particularly, Grenache. This cruel Spring followed up on a dauntingly dry summer… In the end, the yields in juice are tragically affected. The Wine grower’s job becomes tightrope walker’s job… without a net. These realities being called to mind, if we now look at the half full glass - and it is our nature to be optimistic -, the words which will come to me are relief, and even… enthusiasm ! These very challenging conditions indeed gave birth to first juices of so brilliant a Quality as they do better than just console us : they succeed in enticing, the Vignerons and us… !
The vines had naturally little load : they reacted magnificently to the extreme conditions of the year. The plant was able to bring its fruit to maturity, without big constraint, in an optimal way. The Wines promise to be splendidly well-balanced !
Terroir
Paton, Chanson, Vernon, la Côte, La Bonnette.
Type of soil
Granit and Loess.
Ageing
Ageing 10 months in new and one year old barrels. Allier, Tronçais and Jupille.
Varietal
Viognier : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14% % vol.
Bottling : Without fining and light filtration.
Age of vines : 45 years. years old

Advice

Serving
10°C
Decant just before tasting.
Tasting
A lot of smoothness, creaminess. A Wine with generous curves, on notes of soft spices...

Reviews

16+/20
"Rather light nose. Good gummy savour on the palate and a well-balanced satiny palate, but a much more timid aroma than most Condrieu. Perhaps it needs time?"
-